Different Seasons, Different Skin Care.

With autumn here and the winter months right around the corner, we need to start preparing for the changes that could be done to the skin. Normally our skin experiences changes during the colder seasons, such as dry skin, chapped skin, dehydrated skin, etc. Winter also brings winter sports; many people don’t realize that outside winter sports can lead to sunburn if sunscreen is not used. Protecting our skin during the winter months is important. Consider these helpful tips during the cold season.

Dry and dehydrated air generally means dry and dehydrated skin. A heavier moisturizer or lotion is a good idea, and reapplying your moisturizer more than once during the day is an even better idea. I recommend MD Skincare Maximum Moisture Treatment for extra hydration and a great boost of antioxidants to feed the skin.

Indulge your skin when you have some free time by applying a treatment mask such as Pevonia Botanica Rejuvenating Dry Skin Mask. I like to apply this mask in the bath, as it makes it that much more relaxing.

Lastly, the most important product to never forget is sunscreen, whether you can see the sun out or not. I suggest Citrix Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 30, a great liquid sunscreen for entire face, neck and chest area as well as the hands. Or try All Clear Sunscreen by Colorescience, a brush-on mineral powder that provides powerful sun protection without the dripping or stinging associated with sunscreens.

Halloween makeup removers.

Halloween is coming, and whether you're taking the kids trick-or-treating or going to a Halloween party yourself, odds are you'll have some makeup to remove at the end of the night. Unlike traditional makeup that we wear every day, Halloween makeup is thicker and usually much harder to take off. Luckily, many of the day-to-day makeup removal products out there can pull double duty this time of year.

MD ForteFacial Cleanser I, Facial Cleanser II, and Facial Cleanser III all cleanse and polish the face with glycolic acid formulations while removing even the peskiest makeup.

Aroma White Brightening Make Off Cream by Decleor is a rich, silky cream that removes the last trace of makeup, even clearing out the pores, where makeup can hide and cause blemishes.

Or, for an all-natural clean, try Caudalie Cleansing Water. Made with grape fruit water and other natural sources, this gentle cleanser acts as a magnet for dirt and impurities, leaving the skin comfortably clean.

Remember, the scariest thing is your skin's Halloween hangover!

Think Pink - Breast Cancer Awareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where breast cancer is acknowledged worldwide. The number of breast cancer cases has dramatically increased in the last few decades; this is a condition that is affecting more and more people and should not be ignored. Breast cancer, although most commonly found in women, can also affect men; it is the most common form of cancer found in women, which is why everyone should be aware. Keeping yourself protected and early detection of breast cancer is a way to stay safe. Early detection can be done at home, and regular self breast exams should be done by your physician.

Think Pink is a movement designed to raise awareness about Breast Cancer, especially in the month of October. companies, manufacturers, and parties get together and contribute a portion or all of their proceeds to honor those who have or have had breast cancer and to promote further research on breast cancer.

The following products can be purchased to benefit this cause.

eShave Razor For Her – Pink features a unique design and color especially for women. Goes well with the eShave Shave Brush For Her.

Jane Iredale PureGloss – Pink Candy, great for day or night use to really accentuate your lips.

Skyn ICELAND 5 Day Detox Kit for Stressed Skin - a month’s supply of products for any man or women feeling stressed.

California Baby Aromatherapy Spritzer – I Love You is a great product to relax, relieve tension and freshen the senses. All California Baby products in their I Love You scent are included as well.

Help benefit Breast Cancer Awareness buy purchasing any of these products. Remember also to help yourself by doing regular self breast exams and mammograms.

Cellulite Solutions

Cellulite is a condition that is described as dimpling of the skin, cottage cheese, orange peel syndrome, etc. All of these descriptions as well as the condition itself are not flattering. Cellulite's medical description states that it is caused by the protrusion of subcutaneous fat into the dermis, which creates an undulating dermal-subcutaneous fat junction adipose tissue.

In the past, cellulite has been mistakenly believed to be caused by being overweight, which is not true. Cellulite is found in those who are underweight, average weight and overweight, therefore subjugating this philosophy. Cellulite is generally found only in women, but has been seen in males, in more severe cases and in men with health issues. Cellulite is very common, found in 85%-98% of women of all races and ages.

Recently, there have been numerous product introduced that assist in reducing cellulite, such as Bliss High Thighs Cellulite Fighting Serum or Cellex-C Cellulite Smoothing Complex; however I believe these products should be used along with a well balanced diet and exercise to see the best results. For even better results, apply these products with a massage method application, massaging and circulating cellulite areas actually break up the cellulite, causing it to be less visible.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a skin condition that is caused by certain yeast that is found on the body. This specific yeast, Malassezia furfur, is found on the skin naturally, even with normal skin conditions. However when the skin is extremely oily, or under increased amounts of humidity or heat, the yeast thrives and builds colonies on the skin. Tinea versicolor is characterized by pale, dark tan, pink or ash-like colored patches on the skin that can itch when exposed to sweating or overheating.

Tinea versicolor is common among adolescent to adult ages, and is more commonly found in humid and hot climates, which is why it is often referred to as “sun fungus.”

Generally tinea versicolor is not difficult to treat; however symptoms commonly reoccur, which is why proper and continued treatment may be necessary. Treat tinea versicolor with Blaine Labs/Tineacide Antifungal Cream or Lamisil 1% Cream. Tinea versicolor can also be treated by adding an anti-dandruff shampoo like DHS Clear Shampoo to bath water and soaking.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a noncontagious chronic condition in which the skin on various parts of the body is characterized by bright red patches that are generally covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis most commonly affects the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk, and less commonly on the underarms and the genital area. Currently, the cause of psoriasis is unknown, however it is thought to be caused when new skin cells are produced too rapidly and disorderly, leading to build-up and shedding.

Although there is no cure for psoriasis to date, there are treatments that help to alleviate psoriasis breakouts. Before treatment should be done, one should know what first aggravates or brings on a psoriasis breakout. Conditions such as bruising, burns, scratches and too much sun exposure intensify psoriasis. Sudden drops in temperature, sudden illness and infections to the upper respiratory tract, like bacterial throat infections, and the medicines prescribed to cure them also worsen psoriasis. It is best and most beneficial to avoid these triggers as much as possible.

To treat psoriasis, I suggest trying products that contain salicylic acid as one of the active ingredients, such as Summers Laboratories Keralyt Gel for areas on the body. If you experience psoriasis on the scalp, I recommend a shampoo such as DHS TAR GEL Shampoo. Remember psoriasis is a persistent condition therefore treatment should be continuous to ensure fewer breakouts.